Celebrating the Sacraments in the Catholic Church at St John’s College

St John’s College, with the support of neighbouring Parishes, offers students an opportunity to explore and to become initiated into the Catholic Faith. It also offers a program by which they can prepare for the Sacraments.

Student participation in a Sacramental program at St John’s is best done with the support of their parents or carers. Students should communicate with their teachers, campus minister and local priest their desire to receive and celebrate the Sacraments.

Adults who seek to become Catholic usually join the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program conducted in their Parish. Our program for secondary students is modelled on the RCIA program.

A person seeking to join the Catholic Church is usually initiated through the three Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist and the ideal time for this is at Easter. However, it can take place at any time as necessary.

Students seeking the Sacraments are invited to enrol in a preparation program which will be run in conjunction with Parishes. Details will be available at the beginning of each year from the school and/or Parish office. If already Baptised, a copy of the Baptismal Certificate is to be obtained.

If your child has been Baptised in the Catholic Faith you have already begun preparations for their receipt of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. From the moment of their birth you have shared your Faith with them in your love, words, actions and prayers. This is an essential component in their faith formation.

Our Catholic schools and Parish are here to help support this Faith formation and also your vocation as parents.

We become full members of the Catholic Church when we have received the Sacraments of Initiation:  Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion. These Sacraments are the beginning of a life-long journey as Christians.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacrament of Healing. That is, it is the means by which we are reconciled with God and the Church as a consequence of sin committed since Baptism. It is usual for Baptised Catholics to make their First Reconciliation before they celebrate First Eucharist or Confirmation.

The Archdiocese of Brisbane has a policy in place detailing the way in which children are to complete their Sacraments of Initiation. Parishes implement this policy in various ways depending upon the age of the child:

• A child up to the age of (7) seven years is regarded as an infant and as such depends on its parents or carers for its life and nurture. This also applies to the child’s life of Faith as well. In this case, one parent or carer needs to be a Catholic to support the child in Baptism.
• An older child has a more personal say in what happens. This is taken into account in Parish programs in preparing older children for Sacraments.
• In their teenage years children will again have a far greater say in their Faith development. Even so, parents and sponsors are very important support in the process of celebrating the Sacraments.

When a teenager seeks Baptism and does not have a Catholic parent it is important to have a supportive community of Catholic sponsors and friends. There also needs to be a time of discernment for a teenager who may not yet be able to take on full adult responsibility for his or her future. This time ensures that the teenager is fully aware of what they are seeking.